Official MLBlog of the Kansas City Royals front office.

Trey Hillman Pregame Media Session: June 20

The big news of the day was a roster move, with Kyle Davies going to Triple-A Omaha and Robinson Tejeda returning from right rotator cuff tendinitis.

Hillman said that Davies would join the O-Royals in Memphis, where they start a series on Tuesday. Tejeda is expected to be at the ballpark and available for today’s game.

Hillman said that Davies needs to command the ball better as he is centering pitches in dangerous locations. Fatigue is not a factor in Hillman’s mind. He believes that Davies will return strong as most guys with three “plus” pitches figure it out.

He noted that Tejeda gives the Royals another option in the bullpen and said that everything looks fine with his health.

As for the rotation, the Royals do not need a fifth starter until next Saturday in Pittsburgh. Hillman believes that the Royals have a few options. Reporters asked about Sidney Ponson, who is recovering from a right elbow strain, and Bruce Chen, who pitched a complete-game shutout last night at Albuquerque. Ponson is scheduled to start tomorrow. He will make 40-45 pitches and the goal is for him to build his pitch count. Hillman indicated that both had been mentioned but stressed that the decision would be made a few days before the game in Pittsburgh.

Position players

Willie Bloomquist has the day off today. Hillman wanted to give him a day off so he does not become overextended.

Mike Aviles (right forearm strain) will not have any activity for the next four days.

Alex Gordon has been hitting on the field and running out of the batter’s box to first base. He is doing regular agility drills and taking ground balls.

John Buck is doing some light blocking drills and easy catching. He also caught some bullpen sessions today.

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.